New survey shows knowledge gap in car battery recycling

MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 17, 2014 – A recent consumer survey commissioned by Johnson Controls found that seven out of 10 Americans don’t know their options for recycling used car batteries.

With more than 2 million conventional batteries going unrecycled every year in the United States, Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company with established core businesses in the automotive, building, and energy storage industries, is aiming to raise awareness about how to easily and safely recycle car batteries. To assist consumers, the company has created www.recyclingmybattery.com, where people can enter their zip codes to find nearby battery recycling locations, such as retail stores.

“About 97 percent of car batteries are recycled each year in the U.S., and our vision is a world where we reach 100 percent,” said Ron Weller, global vice president and general manager of Components and Integrated Supply Chain at Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “Without batteries, the world would stand still. Johnson Controls wants to keep the world moving in a sustainable way – through recycling.”

Survey Findings:

A survey of 1,016 U.S. adults conducted in March of 2014 found significant misperceptions about battery recycling. Notable findings are summarized below:

Survey Finding

Reality

Two-thirds of Americans think that dead car batteries mostly sit in landfills and create a hazard.

In the United States, 97% of car batteries are recycled.

71% of Americans think that car batteries can only be dropped off for recycling at special recycling centers.

Used car batteries can be dropped off at a wide range of retail outlets and auto shops, many of which are listed on www.recyclingmybattery.com

Consumers are four times more likely to believe that aluminum has a higher recyclability rate than car batteries.

Car batteries have a higher rate of being recycled (97%) than aluminum cans (55%), paper (45%) and glass (26%).[1]

One-third of Americans don’t know how much of a car battery is recyclable.

Up to 99% of the components in a car battery are recyclable.

“Last year, Johnson Controls recycled the equivalent of 8,000 batteries every hour, keeping millions of batteries out of landfills,” said Weller. “As the manufacturer of one-third of the world’s car batteries, we come to work every day committed to design, make, transport and recycle batteries in the safest and most sustainable way.”

Data source:

The data results come from a telephone omnibus survey (combined landline and cell phone) conducted by ORC International. Nationally, the sample included 493 men and 523 female, 18 years of age and older. The survey was fielded from March 26-30, 2014. At the 95 percent confidence level, the national results have a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.

CONTACT:

Abe Lubetkin

(414) 524-3049

Abe.Lubetkin@jci.com

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; conventional automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering value to shareholders and making its customers successful. In 2013, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #14 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

About Johnson Controls Power Solutions

Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in conventional automotive batteries and advanced batteries for Start-Stop, hybrid and electric vehicles. Its 50 manufacturing, recycling and distribution centers supply more than one third of the world's conventional batteries to major automakers and aftermarket retailers. Through its innovations the company is building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles. Johnson Controls was the first company in the world to produce lithium-ion batteries for mass-production hybrid vehicles. The company's commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities.